The following version of this short story was used to create the guide: Saunders, George. "Love Letter." The New Yorker, 2020.

In George Saunders's short story "Love Letter," the unnamed first person narrator writes a letter to his grandson, Robbie.

He opens his message by acknowledging Robbie's email, and apologizing for handwriting his response. However, he thinks the handwritten reply is wisest, considering the delicate nature of their conversation.

He also believes it best to use initials instead of first names, when referring to Robbie's friends, G., M., and J. The narrator understands that Robbie is in a difficult situation. Now that G. and J. are in trouble for refusing the government information regarding M.'s citizenship status, Robbie is justifiably unsure if he should help them in their legal affairs.

The narrator acknowledges the validity and good intentions of Robbie's desires, but warns him against getting too involved. As a citizen, the narrator says, this desire to take action on behalf of another, makes sense. As Robbie's grandfather, however, getting involved with J.'s situation seems dangerous. He sees life as a series of moments, and urges Robbie to do the same. If he can hold on to the beautiful things in this transient existence, he might have a better chance of having a happier, more secure future.

He knows Robbie probably does not want to hear this advice, but the narrator is desperate for him to be safe and well. He then shares an anecdote about an encounter he had with a cop years prior. He does not want the same trouble for Robbie.

In answer to Robbie's question regarding the narrator's regrets, he says that he does have them. Most of these regrets originate from the pre- and post-election era. While Donald Trump was running for a second term in the presidential office, the narrator and his wife were going about their lives as if nothing bad would happen. Suddenly, while working on their house, yard, and the narrator's dental concerns, the world seemed to fall apart. Every night they would do jigsaw puzzles while listening to the news. The nation was crumbling, but no one had any resolutions. Like many others, the narrator wanted to believe that their country, and its once-reliable structures, would soon return to normal.

This proved to be a false hope. Years later, the narrator still regrets not taking any definitive action. However, he is still unsure what he really could have done. When he thinks about it now, he decides that any efforts he did make proved worthless, and that there is nothing he can do to amend this now.

He urges Robbie again not to get involved with J.'s situation. He wants him to have a chance at a long and happy life. Besides, he says, being careful is more important than being heroic. Robbie should remember that he is doing the best he can by living a simple, quiet, and gracious life.

He offers Robbie money just in case he does decide to help J., acknowledging the contradiction of this offer with his previous advice. He tells Robbie to write back with news, and that he loves him.